Oilskins

Oilskins are waterproof foul-weather garments, traditionally cotton or canvas treated with linseed oil and later coated with PVC or polyurethane, worn by deck crew and fishermen against rain and spray. The classic set is a jacket and bib trousers in high-visibility yellow or orange, often with a sou’wester hat. Modern offshore oilskins use breathable laminates but keep the name. They form part of a seafarer’s personal protective equipment; SOLAS and the MLC, 2006 require owners to provide suitable protective clothing for work in adverse conditions.